Charlie Strong during the news conference introducing him as Texas' new head coach. / Eric Gay, AP

by Rick Jervis, USA TODAY

by Rick Jervis, USA TODAY

AUSTIN ‚?? From grocery stores to coffeehouses to neighborhood pubs, the buzz across Austin the past few days was dominated by Charlie Strong.

The crowds at Cain & Abel ‚?? a popular student hangout a few blocks from campus ‚?? were thin, since classes don't start until next week. But talk among patrons and workers was about Texas' new head coach.

Strong takes over a football team that had declined precipitously the past few years but one that is part of the wealthiest athletic program in the country, with sky-high budgets ‚?? and expectations. Previously, he worked as an assistant coach at Florida, Texas and Notre Dame under successful coaches such as Steve Spurrier, Urban Meyer and Lou Holtz and landed his first head coaching job with Louisville four years ago.

Strong could handle the increased politics at Texas and scrutiny by media and fans ‚?? the stadium holds more than 100,000 seated fans each game day ‚?? by doing what he's done the past few years at Louisville, said Bucky Godbolt, a former Texas running backs coach and current Austin radio personality.

"All he has to do is win football games," Godbolt said. "Nothing else matters."

Strong said that is exactly what he intends to do.

As he helped usher in a new era for the legendary football program, Strong promised to recruit hard, coach tough and "put Texas back on the national stage" with championships.

In his first press conference as the replacement for Mack Brown, Strong on Monday displayed his tell-tale toughness and confidence, saying he will tap into Texas' prolific high school football circuit for recruits and bring mental and physical toughness to a program that has been on a recent skid.

The first African American to head any men's team at Texas also paid tribute to Brown, who led the team the past 16 years and to one national championship.

"I want to continue the tradition he's built here," Strong, 53, said. "We will recruit with fire and we'll recruit with passion. We're devoted to making Austin the capital of college football, as well as the state capital."

Strong spoke in the 9th floor Centennial Room at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, which was crowded with media, boosters, university officials and past coaches.

University President Bill Powers said Strong won out over several other candidates by his success on the field, leading Louisville to a 23-3 record and two bowl victories the past two years, but for also lifting that football program's graduation rate.

"It really is a wonderful day for the University of Texas," Powers said.

Texas officials began looking at a list of around 30 candidates and pared it down to a handful over the past few weeks, athletic director Steve Patterson said. "He's a confident football coach and a good father," Patterson said of Strong. "Toughness was also an important factor."

Patterson also confirmed that Strong will earn "about" $5 million a year for five years and that Texas will be paying his $4.375 million buyout to Louisville.

Strong's hiring also symbolizes a historic milestone for Texas by making him the first black head coach of any men's team in school history. But Strong's appointment will be largely symbolic if it is not paired with real changes at the university, such as recruiting more African American non-student athletes, said Ben Carrington, a Texas sociology professor and member of the Men's Athletic Council.

"This marks a significant shift taking place at the university and in the state of Texas," Carrington said. "It's just a shame it took four decades to take place."

At the press conference, Strong said he will recruit hard within Texas' borders and instill a culture of mental and physical toughness into his players ‚?? all within the rules of the game.

"At end of the day, it's all about winning," Strong said. "It's about developing young people, and it's about doing it the right way."